Hi Judy,

I was playin' around on your site. Looks good. You are performing a wonderful service for humankind. Kudos.

Love,

Harvey Diamond

Citronnade by Naylor Faulkner Buy posters at AllPosters.com

Esse Hopper's story of fasting with lemon juice really made an impression on me. Since reading that article, I have been purchasing several organic lemons every week and consuming them either via meals that I make or drinking the fresh juice direct mixed with water. I'm not fasting with lemon juice or lemon water. I'm just drinking it. The effects of the lemon juice are amazing. My energy increases instantly -- as well as my attitude. This, I think, is also a good tip for beginning raw foodists and/or people who are overweight, eating relatively healthy yet still exhausted. If I use the juice of one lemon and mix it with maybe a cup or two of water, I can then sip it as I do my boring house chores. I feel better instantly. It's amazing.

M. M.
New York

Editor's Note: Lemons are said to be the most alkalinizing fruit. Thus, by drinking lemon juice and water, you're increasing the alkalinity of your blood. Acid blood is disease-forming; alkaline blood is healing.

Good news for Raw Foods News! My local Whole Foods store now carries young coconuts! I was so excited today when I saw them! There they were, refrigerated, right near the entrance to the store, for me to see when I first walked into the store, sitting next to the sliced papayas. Several of them, lined up in neat rows, nearly shouting, "Raw Foods News, look at me! I made it! I'm here!"

I seriously believe this has something to do with you!

--a reader from Short Hills, NJ

In the following letter, the writer is referring to a word on some of the items in the Raw Foods News Holiday Store.

I have just stopped in to look at your site. I must wonder why, for a publication to be so socially responsible, your baseball caps for sale have a phrase that is spelled wrong. Every time a permanent object is printed like that, it perpetuates the deterioration of our language. Have I missed something? For example, is there a blank to fill in, as in "Your awesome ___"?

Sarah Gorman

Hi Sarah,

Thanks for writing. I can't really blame you for feeling the way you do, since I'm a writer and editor and have also been a proofreader, and it bugs me when things are spelled wrong. Maybe I need to rethink this expression.

You should know, however, that I can't take the credit for making "YOURAWSOME" up; it's a word that's been out there in the raw community for a while.

You may wonder why it then appears on Raw Foods News logo items.

Last year I posted a poll to see which t-shirt phrases people liked the best. I needed to generate some revenue, and thought people might like to buy assorted logo items. I didn't think people would buy items that merely bore the name of the website. I wanted something fun. I offered a host of choices.

It turned out that "YOURAWSOME" (the only one of the phrases that had an idiosyncratic spelling, by the way) got the most votes. (Although I have hardly sold any logo items! I wonder why that is?)

Of course I don't want to be part of the problem; I want to be part of the solution. So if you would like to suggest some other word or words that I could put on logo items in place of YOURAWSOME (it would need to be something that would appeal to a lot of people), I would certainly welcome your ideas.

On the other hand, if we keep using "YOURAWSOME" (and by "we", I merely mean many raw foodists, not you and I), there is always the possibility that we'll wind up adding a word to the dictionary; a funny word, but one whose derivation would inscribe the raw foods lifestyle in a heavy-duty reference book for posterity. Now would that be so bad?

Meanwhile, I'll refrain from signing this e-mail "rawsome regards," as I sometimes do!

To your health,
Judy Pokras
editor/founder/designer
Raw Foods News

There are certain websites which document the evolution (which some purists consider deterioration) of the English language; one good example is The Word Spy. Personally, I don't favor either incorrect usage or spellings which are born of ignorance. One which I particularly dislike is using the word "express" in verb forms, as in "This train expresses (or "will express") to Grand Central." However, witty usages like "rawsome" should be encouraged. I would think that most of the users of your site would understand that it is actually an intentional play on words.

Jim

Hi,

I found your website and am having a great time reading everything. I've been trying go raw for a long time now. I think I've found some new inspiration. It's difficult when you have a family that doesn't share your goal to eat as much raw food as possible.

Anyways, I have a song that I didn't see on your list. It's titled Cherry Bomb and it's by the Runaways. Remember them? I actually auditioned for that band back in 1978 or something like that. Ha ha. So, there ya go. One more song :)

Keep up the great work on your site. I'm going to go read some more.

Take care...
......Valery

Hello,

My name's Leszek and I'm 22 years old.

I write to you because I would like to became raw foodist but I don't know what I should do. I know that many information there are in internet but I haven't it. I live in small village in Poland and I can't get any about this lifestyle. If you be so kind and send me any books, newspapers and other information (whatsoever) about raw\living diet. I know that I can buy excellent books on raw websites but they are very expensive for me.

Please help me! I will be very grateful.

My address is:
[Leszek Chaja]
43-200 PSZCZYNA
UL.RUBINOWA 26
POLAND

with best wishes
Leszek Chaja

I made the raw matzoh--they loved them--sooo yummy! And I made my own charoses. Just pulse apples, dates, pecans, lemon, and cinnamon a bit in the food processor and it is good to go; real good!

And I made stuffed peppers--my own recipe--great.

Thanks,
Jillian

Hi,

I can totally understand what you mean about the social aspect of a raw diet and not having many restaurants to go to.

I am a vegetarian, but I also do not eat white sugar or flour for the most part. If there's a little sugar in a condiment or something, I might eat it, but I don't eat flour products.

This makes it quite challenging to go out and eat with others. One can only eat so many salads :)

I checked out your site and read some of the articles. It's funny what it said about people tending to read several articles on your site, because that's exactly what I did and I rarely read many articles when I visit a website.

I found your site to be very interesting and I liked the fact that you had an article posted that didn't necessarily advocate a 100% raw diet. I think it's very good to post different views.

I am now somewhat inspired to increase the amount of raw foods in my diet. I live in Buffalo NY, so it will probably be about 20 years before a raw food restaurant opens here :) The one vegetarian restaurant we had didn't survive.

I may pick up a raw food cookbook one of these days... although I thought I had one. I'll have to take a closer look at my books.

Regards,
Sharon

Dear Editor,
I am now co-writing a book on community currencies, Common Wealth, and I think this might address your interests more directly. The raw vegan movement might well be able to sustain its own version of what my partners and I call "open money." In advance of this next book, you may care to visit openmoney.org

I have visited your website which looks very professional and attractive. I enjoyed reading your piece on the McDonalds ad. Good luck with the campaign.

All the best,
Keith Hart

Editor's Note: Keith Hart, the author of a book on a radical new way of looking at money, was responding to my letter to him.

Judy,
Think twice before you draw general conclusions on the history of food as presented in The Food Timeline ["FT"].

Why? Because there are many foods that are not (yet) included because their history is not yet accurately uploaded to the Web. You have noted the lack of fish? The FT is a work in progress...new sites are added daily. We try not to overrepresent the processed foods.

It is possible that there is more information about processed foods (especially in modern times) than natural/raw ones because the information is readily available on the Web. Food manufacturers are quick to upload product history for popular consumer items. An academic study of recent agricultural introductions might affect the balance to a certain degree.

As a reference librarian I know the Web sometimes has a propensity for not presenting a completely balanced view. Why? Because not everything is on it.

If you know of foods we should add to the FT to balance it out please send them along. If you already have the URLs for their history that would be most helpful.

I look forward to hearing from you,
Lynne Olver
editor, The Food Timeline
Morris County Library, NJ USA
Editor's Note: I would encourage anyone reading this who knows of any sources of raw foods history not included in the above-mentioned timeline to be in touch with Ms. Olver.

Hi Judy,
I think the raw food movement isn't dependant upon what Mickey D does with its' commercials.

The raw food movement is a growing force because people like us are becoming wise to the lies of this world. People power is what this movement is all about.

Mickey D thinks everyone is a complete idiot and thus the idiotic commercials. I think Mickey D is the complete idiot and time, I believe, will prove this to be true.

Rawsomely yours,
William Tinsley

Editor's Note: The writer was responding to our essay: Raw Vegan TV Commercial is Now Airing!

Hello Judy

Can you imagine rawfoodsnews becoming your full time job? I certainly can. I think its got the makings of a great success story. I hope you can keep at it.

Jon Danzig
England
Editor's Note: From your mouth to God's ears.

Dear Judy,
Please add this to your song list:

Who can forget Sean Connery's only singing spot as James Bond in Dr. No as he shared the song "Underneath the Mango Tree" with Raquel Welch on a tropical island?

Here are the lyrics:

Underneath the mango tree
Me honey and me can watch for the moon
Underneath the mango tree
Me honey and me make boolooloop soon
Underneath the moonlit sky
Me honey and I can sit hand in hand
Underneath the moonlit sky
Me honey and I can make fairyland
Mango, banana and tangerine
Sugar and ackee and cocoa bean
When we get marry we make them grow
And nine little chil' in a row
Underneath the mango tree
Me honey and me can watch for the moon
Underneath the mango tree
Me honey and me we plan marry soon
Mango, banana and tangerine
Sugar and ackee and cocoa bean
When we get marry we make them grow
And nine little chil' in a row
Underneath the mango tree
Me honey and me can watch for the moon
Underneath the mango tree
Me honey and me we plan marry soon

Owen Waters & Dreama Vance
Sarasota, FL

Hi Judy,

We love your web site! It's loaded with great information and interesting articles. We plan to link to you in our Links We Love section under Publications.

Keep up the terrific job!

Health and Joy,
Zel and Reuben Allen
Vegetarians in Paradise

It's definitely the best raw web site I've seen so far.

Thanks,
Diana Durbin

Cheers,
Elizabeth Bechtold

--Delicia

Hello!

Your site has some really cool posters of bananas peeling each other and vegetables rescuing each other from the cutting board.

Congrats on the review!!!!!

Many Blessings :)
Carrie T. Rivera

Editor's Note: Thanks, Carrie! Carrie is referring to the posters available in our catalogue and the review of Raw Foods News in the November 2001 Writer's Digest.

Love your magazine, especially the celeb section!

Towards Light and Life,

Jinjee

Living the raw life in Ocala, Florida

Kris Morgan

Hi Judy,

I happened upon your site, I want to tell you it's done very nicely. Your writing voice has a wonderful flavor! I tried out the raw foods page too, very impressive!

Good luck with all,

Amanda Swanson
www.burbages.com

Shaun Jensen
Australia

Take care
John Rabin
Ontario, Canada

I had forgotten all about the raisins, but Melissa didn't! I just got back from a 5-day trip and found them. I don't care for raisins, but Eileen is wild over them and jumped for joy when I gave them to her.

Jan
Vermont

Hi Judy,

I just wanted to thank you for Melissa's Organically Grown Thompson Seedless Raisins.

Peas, love, and veggies,
Bobbie Flowers

Danilo Kolar
whit, SLOVENIA

Dear Judy,

I visited your website the other night and again, found the selection of articles so interesting that I read each and every one of them. I always find what is on your website both interesting & timely.

You know I am not just saying this, because I have very little patience with staring at the screen these days, just can't take the energy and light's effect on my system, so for something to hold my interest and make me want to read it, is quite a statement.

Keep up the good work, and hope you take my advice on contacting NY Spirit and New Life, as well as the other vegetarian/yoga/health mags you see in the major health food stores, so you can get interviewed.

That's really what you need and you will find a sponsor that way or an investor.

Carol
Brooklyn, NY

What a fab web site! I especially love the articles as they cover many facets of raw foodism. It's obvious that you put a massive amount of work and dedication into your site, and I just wanted to let you know that this little bunny appreciates it mucho ;-)

Lots of love
Shazzie
xxx
Sharon Holdstock
shaz@shazzie.com
www.shazzie.com

Hi,

I'm new to raw foods eating & I found you while doing a Google search on raw foods recipes. Your site is a wonderful find!

Question: if I subscribe to your newsletter, do you keep my e-mail address confidential? I view unsolicited e-mail the same way as regular junk mail.

Question: you have recommendations on equipment but I saw nothing about food dehydrators -- would love to know more to make an informed purchase decision.

THANK YOU!

Carol

Editor's Note: YourMailingListProvider, which hosts our newsletter, assures us that e-mail addresses are kept confidential and not sold or forwarded to other companies. Also, I'm researching the subject of dehydrators and will be publishing an article on my findings. Please stay tuned!

Hey Judy,

The website looks great. I especially liked the various food illustrations and graphics, and the job listing page. Who designed your site? I'll need to put up one of my own soon.

Paul Carlon

Editor's Note: I designed and built the site.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I've just started the change to all raw and this is a wonderful resource.

Andria1@btinternet
UK
July 4, 2001

You put together a great web site. If anyone asks you for clips, it's very impressive.

Norman Bauman

Dear Judy,

Your website is sparkling, chock full of vital vegan info & very very impressive. You're chock full of ideas & helpful initiatives.

In addition, I did a "Judy Pokras" GOOGLE search & discovered how extensive your web/artistic/writing career is!

I [also] find your webmaster skills quite unique.

Ron Near
former United Nations Press Officer

Great job on your website. It looks like it's coming together nicely.

Vin

I have even forwarded one of your links on dairy to members of my dairy loving/hating family.

Again, congratulations on the website. It must be keeping you busy!

....Jim....

Editor's Note: It certainly is!

Dear Editor,

Thank you for producing such a useful site!! I heard about it through a friend at a raw foods potluck. I've made up a salad-request letter based on yours to help when I go out to restaurants. I look forward to coming back and spending more time exploring your extensive resouces.

Best wishes,

Bonnie Petrovich

Massachusetts

Editor's Note: Bonnie is referring to the Special Request Salad recipe in How to Get a Raw Entree in a Cooked Restaurant, which appears in our articles section.

Hello Judy,

Your web site is wonderful, I like the vibrancy!

Thanks so much for a great site, I will pass the web address onto my mailing list of friends. I know they will love it too.

Kathleen O.
San Bernardino, CA

I just visited the Raw Foods News for the first time -- and loved it! I'll enjoy exploring it further.

Ivan Granger, Maui

Editor's Note: Thanks to Ivan for sending us lots of info on restaurants and gatherings in Maui.

Emilie

Hi, Judy:

Just found your neat website and read your bio and want to CONGRATULATE you and ENCOURAGE you to continue doing it all.

I, too, have aspirations to help "save the world," however I am not nearly as creative and, evidently, as constructive as you.

Gerry

Editor's Note: Thanks, Gerry, for your nice compliment. I'm sure you're being overly modest.

Judy....

You are doing a lot of good work.. thank you for your services.

Your web site is an offering to humanity..... you deserve! the support.

Love and Sunshine
Ruth Allen
www.harmonious-living.com
UK

Editor's Note: A non-vegan friend writes me about my essay on the raw foods TV commercial:

Hi Judy,
I did check the site earlier and had read your article. I think that until there is a national McVeggie chain (of sorts), that vegan food won't be promoted -- i.e., until someone is making a buck from it. As Bobby Zimmerman (Bob Dylan) once noted, "Money doesn't talk; it screams."

....Jim....

I love your site. Very cool pictures!

Love,
Elaine Love

Editor's Note: Elaine's recipes are now posted on our recipes page.

Big congratulations on a wonderful site!
Best wishes,
Karen Knowler, The Fresh Network
England

Dear Editor:

I'm impressed by the professional, fun and supportive way this site is presented. Great inspiration for an ever increasing population eager to make healthier lifestyle choices! Bravo!

Congratulations on a truly beautiful site Judy...a job well, well done!

Karen Fierro, Miami Beach, Florida

Oompa Loompa Doompity Doo
I've got another Mango For You.
What do You Get When You Guzzle on Sweets,
Eating as Much as an Elephant eats?
What do you think? getting terribly fat!
What do you think will come of that?
I DON'T LIKE THE LOOK OF IT!
Oompa Loompa Doompity Doo
I've got another Mango For You.
If you are wise you will listen to me
And do what the Oompa Loompa Doompity Do
Eating lots of mangoes too....
Anyone ever read this children's book? As a child, or to your own child? Well, Roald Dahl got it wrong. Willy Wonka didn't save the Oompa Loompas from their diet of mashed up caterpillers by offering them a lifetime supply of free chocolate. In fact the Oompa Loompas actually enjoyed their ghoulish diet, as they were avowed anapsologists (eaters of raw chickens, worms and bugs)... the only thing that could naturalize their tastebuds and draw them away to live with Mr Wonka, was the offer of a lifetime supply of free mangos! I mean, who could turn that down?
Habib Bailey
Tigard, Oregon

Dear Judy,

Congratulations on your website winning all those awards, especially being 1st place in the most interesting site list!!!!! Are you going to be rich?

Kenny

Editor's Note: I sure hope so!

Paul Nison

Judy:

Finally had a chance to catch up with my "fun" mail and look at "RawFoodNews.com"--that's great! Are you working on this with anybody (looks like a huge job for one person, but I couldn't tell if you were simply using the editorial "us" in the "About" section, or there really is more than one of you!) It must be keeping you very busy.

Did YOU do a raw foods seder?!?!?! I had to read that--that was wild!!!!

--Delicia
New York City

Editor's Note: I'm the only one working on the website, save those kind people who contribute articles and pop tune titles and letters to the editor and such.

FANTASTIC

i just looked at your fabulous site and i think you are terrific and wonderful to be doing this!

good luck with it

carry on the torch

- david norman
South Beach, FL

What a fabulous site. I just love it, and am sending it to all the people I know on the internet.

GREAT JOB!

Anne Claire
Central NJ

The Raw Website is fantastic. I just loved it!

And your ideas are so important and so creative!

I wish I could be of real help in this VERY important project of rawifying the world! As you correctly indicate, [the lack of] really tasty food is the #1 reason people are not interested [in a raw foods lifestyle].

You know, your new website, if there is any justice in this world, should be listed in The New York Times as one of the most traffiked health sites, as they recently listed such sites as "MD whatever" and the National Cancer Society website, or whatever killers they listed.

Not even Gary Null's site was listed in the Times, though he says it is the most widely trafficked health site...and your site is JUST as important as Gary Null's.

Your new website is dynamite!!

Kenny Laufer
NYC